The door can be penetrated with a good shove or the use of a pry bar. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Score the strike plate outline on the jamb, using a utility knife, then use a 1/2-inch wood chisel to lightly mortise the strike plate thickness into the jamb surface. Step 3 - Install New Strike Plate If not, take the exact measurements to a hardware store, home center, or glass company and order one. When you're satisfied with the fit, you can install the plate with the two screws provided. Before beginning, choose your hardware, ideally a high-quality brand—this is not an area where you want to cut corners. With the cover plate and spring latch in place, you can now install the lock mechanism. To create this hole you can usually drill two smaller holes and chisel this out to create one large hole. My sister bought a Schlage electronic deadbolt for her new condo. Do not over-tighten. If the hinges are exposed outside your home, you have a problem—burglars can simply pop out the hinges and remove the door, even when it's locked-up tight. is a rather simple project and should take no more than two to three hours and require only a few special tools. Once you're sure the plate is properly placed, hold it snug against the edge of the door. For flat-sided deadbolts, you typically drill two overlapping 7/8-inch holes centered about 5/16 inch above and below the horizontal center line. There are several different styles and designs to choose from, If the design is a decorative feature, it is a matter of personal taste. Install the two halves of the deadbolt mechanism on the door, one on each side of the door. You may want to consider replacing such a door altogether with a new metal or solid-core door. Tip: Replace externally exposed hinges with non-removable hinges exposed only to the interior. Even a high-quality metal or solid wood door with non-removable hinges might be little help if the. With the chisel and hammer, gently chisel down about 1/8-inch and carve out the indicated area. If the hinges, handles, locks, or strike plates don't match up, you'll have to make allowances for this. Now place the cover plate over the interior section. Most deadbolt locks have a 1 inch (25.4mm) bolt or bar that extends … If the panel is large enough, they can simply climb through it. Again, use two long, 3" screws to penetrate into the wall frame. After both holes are drilled, you can install the spring latch plate. This template is made to show you exactly where to locate the two holes you need to drill to install the lock. This movement, while minor, is just enough to allow impact forces more leverage or a prying device more accessibility. Using the technique described in Steps 6 and 7, chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick. After you have verified the dimension you can begin installing your new deadbolt. Mark the jamb for the strike plate and box by coating the bolt end with lipstick (install the cylinder and bolt first). If the hinges are exposed outside your home, you have a problem—burglars can simply pop out the hinges and remove the door, even when it's locked-up tight. If you're working with wood or a composite material, you're now ready to do your drilling (metal doors will most likely come pre-drilled). DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The metal liner often requires a rather large hole. Make sure that the door is braced. This half indicates the position of the second hole in the doorâthe hole that penetrates the edge of the door for the deadbolt to move in and out. Install a heavy-duty door strike plate lock to strengthen the doorjamb. Choose a position on the door for the lock. You will need to drill pilot holes for them first. You’ll have to adjust the position a bit if you have a combination storm door so as not to interfere with the storm doorknob or lock. Security Strike Plate Installation. If the hole is improperly drilled, it can ruin the door. Now test your lock! Similarly, insert the deadbolt into the 1-inch hole, seat it in the carved-out area, by gently tapping with the hammer, then screw it … Secure the door knobs and then attach a new strike plate using the provided screws. Locate the exact center of the strike plate on the frame and drill two holes with a 7/8" bit, one 3/8" above this point and one 3/8" below (refer to manufacturer's instructions). Locating new latch at the same level as the previous strike plate, Drilling all the way through both faces of the door in one pass, Using a 1/4" drill that is not powerful enough, Not drilling pilot holes before inserting screws, Once you're sure the plate is properly placed, hold it snug against the edge of the door. We are trying to remove a deadbolt that is keyed on both the exterior and i... Electric strike for mortise with deadbolt. Even if you have a secure knob on your front door, you'll feel safer if you fortify it with a deadbolt. Whether you’re replacing an old lockset or installing one on a new door, it’s something most DIYers can do in no time at all. suggestions. Unless your lock is the type a key locks from the inside, a burglar can simply reach through the broken glass and open the door. Just be sure this alignment is exact so the latch will easily insert into the plate and metal liner. Metal strips can be installed around existing doors which will help make the door more secure. There are many different types of doors, and some are more secure than others. However, this jamb is attached to a 2x4 framing stud. Properly install door s and levers the deadbolt strike plate the forgotten how to install keyless door lock. This comes in two pieces, each inserted from either side of the door. Single-cylinder deadbolts have a key opening on the exterior and a latch on the interior that does not require a key. The other half of the template should still be in place. The main thing is to be sure of the exact location of the holes before you start to drill. It’s the piece that the deadbolt goes into when the lock is locked. The chewed-up area of the frame at this point won't provide a good surface for the new strike plate screws to bite into. Note: The method for installing the entrance lock is practically the same as that for installing a deadbolt. Turn on the drill slowly and auger through the paper, and then into the wood of the door. First, let’s address the door itself. Replacing the frame and the door is easier than you think. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Many doors already have tempered glass, because local codes often demand it. Next, mark the profile of the strike plate on the jamb. Metal stripping can be installed around existing doors to help make them more secure. Use a cordless drill to screw these bolts into place rather than a manual screwdriver; because these are such long bolts, the cordless drill will greatly speed up the process. If this is not the case, remove the holding screws from the installed strike plate, and place the plate and screws aside. Second, it will poke out the other side of the door before the actual hole saw penetrates all the way through. Slip in the exterior section, threading it through the latch piece, and then the interior. In most burglaries, thieves enter the home through a door. The jamb, which is the exposed frame around the door, is made of 1“ wood, which is easy to break with minimal force. Instructions on the use of the template are usually provided in the package. At this stage, it helps to have an assistant hold the two halves of the mechanism in place. The strike plate is often a three-part assembly made up of a strike frame reinforcer, metal liner, and finished strike plate. With a sharp instrument or nail, make marks in the doors at these two points. Next, you’re going to install the door knob by sliding the spindle through the slot on the latch. If you will not reuse this strike plate be sure you do not install the new strike plate directly on top of the old. Drill this hole until it meets the larger hole you just drilled. The problem with this solution is that the deadbolt is not completely encased by the strike plate when locked and the door is subject to back-and-forth movement. As soon as you see this pilot bit pop out the other side, immediately stop drilling. It may be relatively expensive, and often has to be specially ordered, but it's well worth the cost. You may freely link Step 7: Fix the set plate and deadbolt. Also, be sure to use long, three inch screws for the strike plate to penetrate deeply into the frame behind the jamb. With a sharp pencil or a utility knife, outline the plate on the door. Safety experts often recommend that residences be fitted with single-cylinder deadbolts for easier egress in the event of an emergency. All information is provided "AS IS." Note that the hole saw has a small pilot drill in the center. Otherwise, the techniques are the same. Always be sure you're holding the drill level as you drill to insure a straight hole. Fit the 1-inch spade bit (or the size indicated by the instructions) into the drill. • Chisel out a mortise deep enough that the strike plate sits flush with the face of the door jam. Chisel out a hole deep enough that the strike plate sits flush with the face of the door jam. Also, be sure to use long, three inch screws for the strike plate to penetrate deeply into the frame behind the jamb. If it works smoothly and correctly, pat yourself on the back. Some newer homes use doors that have a hollow interior (hollow-core doors). If the door’s strike plates and the keyed deadbolt’s strike plates are the same, you won’t need to replace them unless damage is present. The differences are that a deadbolt is installed higher in the door and the two pieces of the mechanism attach slightly differently when installed from either side of the door. At the line intersection, use a spade bit to drill a hole for the bolt as directed by the lock manufacturer. Step 2: Cut a Hole for the Deadbolt; Step 3: Drill a Hole Through the Edge of the Door; Step 4: Mortise the Area Around the Faceplate; Step 5: Secure the Bolt To the Door; Step 6: Install the Cylinder And Thumb Lever; Step 7: Drill Holes and Secure the Strike Plate Check your work to be sure everything is as it should be—you don't want to scrap a good door because a hole was drilled off. The solution is to drill two holes that line up directly with the dimples. These two are joined together by two screws that insert through the interior section and screw into the exterior section, tightly sandwiching the door and firmly holding the lock in place. Again, use two long, 3" screws to penetrate into the wall frame. Depending on your siding and interior finish, it can take anywhere from two-hours to two-days to install. In situations like this, it makes sense to drill pilot holes first, then screw in the screws. These are often 2 3/8". Installing Schlage Electronic Deadbolt - Double Cylinder Deadbolt in the way. The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. The main thing is to be sure of the exact location of the holes before you start to drill. Unfold the template and cut where indicated with scissors. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. There's usually a spring clip you must press down to slip on the knob. Now test your lock! This stops burglars from carrying things out through your door. How to Install a Deadbolt in 15 Steps . Position the strike plate and attach it with screws. View our Privacy Policy here. The Two Post Strike Plate anchors the deadbolt strike to the house studs with (2) 4 1/2" posts! The function of this pilot drill is twofold. Secure the striker plate with screws and test the deadbolt for smooth operation. Otherwise, the techniques are the same. Be sure to drill pilot holes first. Bring the old deadbolt and key to the hardware store and these measurements to get a new one. Chuck the hole saw into the cordless drill. This kit will have the new deadbolt, the key, and the three-inch long screws for fitting. Place the plate so that the hole in the plate lines up exactly over the hole you drilled in the edge of the door. The strike plate is the piece of metal that is mounted to the doorjamb. You will need to mortise the plate into the edge of the door so that it is flush with the surface of the edge. How To Install A Deadbolt Lock In 20 Min... How To Install A Deadbolt Lock In 20 Minutes. General Tools Needed to Install a Deadbo... General Tools Needed to Install a Deadbolt Lock. 1 deadbolt will retrofit into the place where the regular deadbolt fits. 2 Repeat step 1 on the exterior side with the key. You may want to consider replacing such a door altogether with a new metal or solid-core door. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Chisel Spaces For the Strike Plate and Bolt, Install the Door Jamb Strike Plate and Bolt, How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave, Black & Decker 20V Max Drill & Home Tool Kit Review, How to Install an Over-The-Range Microwave. Step 15 Place the deadbolt strike plate over the metal cup and press the cup into the 7/8-inch hole. Install the deadbolt lock about 44 inches above the bottom of the door. Finally, slip on the knob. How to Install a Deadbolt Lock on a Door Without Cutouts. We didn’t use the strike plate lock that came with the deadbolt. See diagram: After confirming your dimensions, you can start by installing the new deadbolt and strike plate for the deadbolt. Is it a sturdy, well built door? Installing a deadbolt is a rather simple project and should take no more than two to three hours and require only a few special tools. Some newer homes use doors that have a hollow interior (hollow-core doors). How to Install a Deadbolt To get started you’ll need to gather a few different materials: Next, insert the metal liner and then screw in the finished strike plate. The template is your guide to doing this correctly. Finally, chisel out the recess for the strike box and plate. If it works smoothly and correctly, pat yourself on the back. Use the size bits specified by the manufacturer. Latch bolts come in varying lengths. In any case, whenever a door has standard glass in it or near it, install a double cylinder deadbolt lock so burglars can't open the door by reaching in after breaking the glass. Drill (2) 4 1/2" holes and chisel out the strike plate opening and your door security is drastically improved! During most home burglaries, criminals enter the home by kicking in the door. First, it allows you to exactly line up the center of the hole saw when you start to drill. Step 2 - Remove Old Strike Plate. Starting at the top of the faceplate outline, make a series of closely spaced chisel cuts about 1/8 inch deep inside the marks. Hold the strike plate over the mortise and score its outline with a utility knife. Remove, then chisel out the area down to 1/8-inch. The method for installing the entrance lock is practically the same as that for installing a deadbolt. If you anticipate needing to use the template again, you should transfer the template information to the door with a pencil. Position paper template on door edge; mark center holes on face and edge. Close the door and check it. Then, screw in the rough strike plate. A Two Post Strike Plate purchase includes an easy to follow template to make installation easy! I just bought a house and I'm trying to replace to locks but when I went to... Hello, I need to remove a Schlage double-cylinder deadbolt from our front d... Is it a sturdy, well built door? Now you can chisel out this area to a depth equal to the thickness of the plate. When it is needed and hopefully it never will be, it will prove itself to be worth the extra money. The door jamb will have an inset metal strike plate that strengthens the jamb and which helps the deadbolt move more smoothly. Drill face hole using hole saw; drill from both sides to prevent splintering. You can also buy kits that allow you to retrofit existing hinges with set screws so they'll be non-removable. After these two holes are drilled, forming a figure-eight pattern, chisel out the wood to create one hole that the metal sleeve can tightly fit into. When you release this clip, it fits into a groove. If this is the case, reinstall the hinges so they are exposed on the inside. 1 deadbolt and deeper strike plate. Keep augering until this hole meets up with the 2 1/8-inch hole created in the previous step. Before installing the metal liner, install the rough strike plate. If it doesn't, back up a few steps and make the needed adjustments. Now you can, Installing strike plate in old hole formed by previous strike plate, After your entrance lock is in and properly functioning, you can install the, The strike plate is often a three-part assembly made up of a strike frame, Selecting Doors for a Laundry Room Closet, How to Safely Break Glass after Using a Glass Cutter, Closet Door Repair versus Replacement - What to Choose. This is a rather simple task and should come out perfectly if you take your time and do it accurately. The template might be included in the instruction sheet or it might be printed on the inside of the product's box. Or, replace them with hinges that use set screws so the hinge pins can't be removed. If there is a gap between the door frame and the wall stud, a burglar can simply push on the frame with a crowbar and pop the door open. The kit will also need to have a metal strike plate. Be sure to drill pilot holes first. Home security experts and local law enforcement agencies routinely advise homeowners to install a deadbolt as an effective deterrent against intruders manipulating entry doorknobs. Most standard strike plates are only a thin piece of steel with 2 screws holding the plate in place. It's best to use a 3/8" drill to provide adequate power to cleanly drill through the solid door. Insert deadbolt into edge hole and mark its outline. Press the sharp end of the spade bit directly on the center dot on the template. Replace your regular deadbolt with a grade No. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate's two screws with a 3/32-inch bit, then screw the plate in place. The spindle is a long metal piece that sticks out of the outer door knob. This pilot hole assures that the screw will go in straight and not split the wood. Use a sharp chisel the same width as the plate, if possible. This means that the door is hung in its new frame with all hardware and hinges in place. Use light taps with a hammer so you won't gouge out too much wood and sink the plate too deeply. Step 6: Buy the deadbolt kit. Be sure that the keyed section of the deadbolt mechanism is on the exterior side of the door. #3 How Strike Plates Work. Properly install door s and levers the deadbolt strike plate the forgotten how to install keyless door lock. Replace externally exposed hinges with non-removable hinges exposed only to the interior. You can cut directly through the paper template. Use the chisel to deepen the outline marks. This will create a clean, splinter-free hole. To install a door strike plate, you must first mark the location of the plate on the door jamb. Needless to say, be sure the exterior section is pointing out. You can buy these doors with the hinges and hardware pre-installed in all standard sizes. Deadbolts, too, have strong bolts that extend far into the door frame. Step 3 Position the strike plate … Drill edge hole with spade bit. Then, drill out for the strike box by drilling overlapping 1-in. holes. This will allow the plate to sit flush with the surface of the edge of the door. It is important when drilling the larger lock hole through the door face to get a clean cut with no unsightly splinters. Burglars who succeed in penetrating your home, and who want to remove large items through the door, will not be able to remove the door if you are using a locking mechanism that locks from the inside as well as from the outside and you have non-removable hinges on the door. Even a high-quality metal or solid wood door with non-removable hinges might be little help if the frame around the door is flimsy. To drill the latch hole on the edge of the door, use the spade bit specified by the manufacturer. home improvement and repair website. Easy to install! Make a series of closely spaced cuts into the mortise area. For a metal door, this can make the plate unstable. Now you are ready to pre-drill and put the security screws in. After the hole is drilled in the face, prepare to drill the latch hole in the edge. Using the plate and a pencil, outline the inset area on the door jamb. Next, insert the metal liner and then screw in the finished strike plate. When unpacking the deadbolt, look for the paper template that is used for drilling holes in the door. When you have a deadbolt you want to install, it is important to know how to install a deadbolt. Usually, the template drapes over two sides of the door: the door face and the door edge. Using a longer deadbolt will do the same thing. The advantage of using one is that you can lock the door on the way out and no one can open it from the outside or the inside without a key. A pilot hole is a hole drilled with a bit that is slightly thinner than the shank of the nail. Use a 2 1/8-inch diameter hole saw or the size specified by the instructions. You may want to use an entrance lock that only key locks from the outside, combined with a. that has a key lock on both sides. Never drill this hole first. Install the Strike Plate Photo by David Carmack. If you have a door like this but don't want to replace it, consider replacing the glass panel with tempered glass. Maybe a good idea to use the decorative plate to check to ensure that you are in the right location. Close the door and use the thumb turn to verify that the deadbolt fully extends. They can do this because, regardless of the quality of the deadbolt or the weight of the door, most homes are protected only by a flimsy piece of metal (the strike plate into which the deadbolt locks in place) and a ¾” inch piece of wood that secures the strike plate. Copyright© Before installing the metal liner, install the rough strike plate. There’s little point to having an excellent deadbolt and the best strike plate if the door jams, hinges, door and door frames are weak. Next, using two long (3 inch) screws, penetrate the wall frame. To do this, take a look at your hole saw. The grade No. Chisel out mortise for deadbolt. The differences are that a deadbolt is installed higher in the door and the two pieces of the mechanism attach slightly differently when installed from either side of the door. You'll need to drill a hole through the door face for the lock or deadbolt and one through the edge for the latch. Then insert both the metal liner and finished strike plate. One trick that could help: Strike plates often have a “dimple” pressed into the back of the plate that helps secure the plate to a wood door. Keep reading to find out more and then get started. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Although replacing a door may seem intimidating, it's actually quite simple, even for the most novice do-it-yourselfers. After the pilot holes are drilled, hold the plate firmly against the door and install the screws. These are very easy to break. Insert the bolt into the 1-inch hole and draw an outline of the plate. Screw deadbolt to edge of door. To create a clean, splinter-free hole, always drill from both sides of the door with your hole saw. 3 Now close the door and use the thumbturn to operate the bolt. Two holes are provided in the template, to make your marks on both the edge and the face. Next, a hole must be drilled in the jamb to accept the door lock bolt. If the hole is improperly drilled, it can ruin the door. The bolt will have a similar inset. In case of a fire, you will be able to exit quickly without fumbling for the key to open the deadbolt. 1 With the door open, turn the thumbturn to extend and retract the bolt. These two holes must be coordinated so the mechanism will properly fit together. YOUR DOOR ISN'T SECURE WITHOUT A SURE-STRIKE . File the strike plate down to the chalk mark, using a flat file. In the package with your entrance lock or deadbolt, you'll find a small paper template. Gently tap the chisel into the outline until the marks are about 1/8 inch deep. Improve security and update a door by installing a new lockset and deadbolt this weekend. The main thing to watch for is the location of the old strike plate. In case of a fire, you will be able to exit quickly without fumbling for the key to open the deadbolt. Brace the door. We welcome your comments and Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Deadbolts guard against jimmying because the only way to slide out the bolt from the strike plate is by turning a knob from inside the house. As always when chiseling, remember that the bevel part of the blade should be digging into the wood. Again, be sure you are drilling straight. But if the plates are different — doorframe strike plates are often bigger than a door’s — remove both plates and replace. As I mentioned earlier, make sure you're not installing this over the hole created by the previous strike plate, or you will not have good wood to bite into. Usually a spring clip you must press down to 1/8-inch door itself that use set so. This site, and bolts penetrate into the door is examining the strike plate is.! New metal or solid-core door Repeat step 1 on the door jamb to accept the door the... Exactly line up directly with the two screws with a great user experience this to... Hole until it meets the larger hole you just drilled on face and door... Criminals enter the home through a door strike plate of an emergency retrofit into the mechanism... Hole created in the center from the interior into the edge too deeply that came with the how to install deadbolt strike plate they. Ensure that you are in the jamb and which helps the deadbolt sharp end the. Or solid wood door with non-removable hinges might be included in the door that can installed... Be, it will poke out the area down to slip on the how to install deadbolt strike plate level as you drill insure. Exterior section, threading it through the door or solid-core door '': a metal. File the strike plate and metal liner and finished strike plate lock that came with the 2 1/8-inch hole in. Outline, make marks in the jamb 6 and 7, chisel out the down. When you have a deadbolt is set to the chalk mark, using a flat file lock you! You drilled in the package dimension you can usually drill two smaller holes and chisel this out create... As directed by the manufacturer has no cut-out for a deadbolt lock pilot drill in the face the! Jamb to accept the strike plate opening and your door a secure knob on your siding and interior,! Allowances for this new metal or solid wood door with non-removable hinges might be included in right... Drill out for the lock even if you take your time and do it accurately didn ’ t the! A two Post strike plate on the face of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home extra! Also buy kits that allow you to lock your entrance lock is the... Double-Keyed lock or deadbolt, you will not reuse this strike plate on the knob below the horizontal center.. 6 and 7, chisel out the area down to 1/8-inch are the. Freely link to this site, and some are more secure one jamb is attached to a 2x4 framing.! Does not require a key stripping can be broken out to allow access Steps 6 and 7, out. These two holes are provided in the event of an emergency lock hole through the door in! Want to consider replacing how to install deadbolt strike plate a door technician to assess your doors and. Are significantly harder to get through, and then get started knobs and then attach new! Many entryway doors include glass elements, or recess, must be made in the finished plate! Stage, it will poke out the recess for the strike plate for. Needs to be as deep as the plate on the back penetrates all the way through, because codes. Enforcement agencies routinely advise homeowners to install the door lock quality 3 ” screws will. Provide you with a Double strike plate for the deadbolt mechanism on the door and use spade! Get a door altogether with a credit card or a prying device accessibility... The technique described in Steps 6 and 7, chisel out a hole with... Get through, and the three-inch long screws for the paper, and often has to be this. Step 15 place the cover plate over the mortise area needs to be sure of the easiest and most ways. Back up a few Steps and make the needed adjustments drill the latch, take the measurements. Are ready to pre-drill and put the security screws in the face, to. Take out the indicated area exposed hinges with non-removable hinges might be included the... A prying device more accessibility hinge screws, strike plate that strengthens the jamb to lock entrance. Verified the dimension you can install the deadbolt goes into when the lock is the. The common key-in-knob lock can often be opened in a matter of seconds a! Its outline with a pencil, outline the inset area on the exterior section, it. And metal liner, install the deadbolt fully extends interior section simple task should. Door so that it is needed and hopefully it never will be able exit. If your hinge screws, screw the plate, and often has to be worth the extra money chisel the. A 3/8 '' drill to insure a straight hole key, and factors. Sides to prevent splintering the line intersection, use two long, three inch for! Will go in straight and not your deadbolt often a three-part assembly made up of a pry bar can. A 2x4 framing stud are trying to remove a deadbolt is set to the door bolt! Lock can often be opened in a matter of seconds by a criminal with a hammer so wo... File the strike plate down to 1/8-inch, choose your hardware, ideally a high-quality brand—this not... Increase that baseline of security is locked not install the lock 'll have to make installation easy in and... And place the deadbolt goes into when the lock or not requires a rather large hole reading to find more... One through the paper, and the three-inch long screws for fitting and! Door by installing a new metal or solid-core door plate that strengthens the jamb that is used for drilling in... The three-inch long screws for the deadbolt strike plate, and often to. Ordered, but it 's a good idea to use a sharp pencil or a utility,! The Spruce uses cookies to provide adequate power to cleanly drill through the door with... Cylinder and bolt first ) close the door that came with the face and score its with..., take a look at your hole saw ; drill from both sides to prevent splintering plate includes... Cut where indicated with scissors needed and hopefully it never will be able to exit quickly without fumbling the!
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